Taking the History: Part II

Abstract

The past history reveals a picture of the patient’s life experiences and behaviors from birth to the present. Not all of this information is relevant to diagnosis. In fact, most DSM-III-R diagnoses can be made with only token recourse to past history. Nevertheless, the past experiences do have a major influence on the patient’s current illness. Some experiences may be necessary or sufficient causes of current symptomatology. Other experiences foster the development of personality traits that influence the manner in which the patient deals with symptomatology and is influenced by treatment. At least some knowledge of the patient’s past learning experiences is essential to the successful utilization of most forms of psychotherapy.